Suicide prevention tools focus of Lynn schools’ initiative

LYNN – Nearly 20 percent of middle and high school students have contemplated suicide, according to a youth risk-behavior survey completed earlier this year in city schools.With such alarming results, school officials are considering the implementation of a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Policy, which would train teachers and staff to be on the lookout for telltale signs and behavior of at-risk students.”The sad reality is that some individuals complete suicide without anyone detecting the risk,” said Dr. Henry Kelley, chief school psychologist. “We need to change the existing culture of the schools and create an environment where it’s okay to talk about the formerly taboo subject.”In order to do that, Kelley said a district-wide policy needs to be enforced to ensure consistency.”With formal training, school officials will be in an ideal situation to identify at-risk students, which is an important first step to allocate care to a possible life-threatening situation,” he said. “Also health educators can beef up the aspect of curriculum on suicide.”Under the proposed policy, all school personnel would be mandated to report any issues that arise, as well as notify a designated responder, clinician and parents of the student involved. If implemented, Kelley said the policy would be put in place in the fall.”This will also encourage other peers to come forward whose friends have issues,” Kelley said. “And at the very least, we can get help for the many kids who are depressed or in need and offer more resources than we currently have.”According to Kelley, the national average of students who entertain the thought of suicide is 14 percent.While that number is lower than the Lynn average, Kelley said the results don’t necessarily mean that students have attempted suicide, but rather that they have thought about it and that the silent risk is higher than before.